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Dev Haskell Mystery #13
Scam Man
Scam Man is the Thirteenth mystery in the highly entertaining Dev Haskell Private Investigator Series. Morton, the golden retriever is back just in time to turn Dev's dating experience with gorgeous AJ into an absolute disaster. Meanwhile his longtime "friend with benefits" Heidi is being showered with jewels and romantic getaways. Dev is investigating Austin Hackett, a scheming attorney who has run scams on everything from porn to disability lawsuits. He can set everything right if only Swindle Lawless and Woofy Barker can keep their act together. Assaults, shootings, scams, broken hearts and murder combine for more humorous entertainment from the master of the bizarre, Mike Faricy. If you like Carl Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey and Elmore Leonard-make room for one more!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
267 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Mike Faricy
130 books239 followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I still live there as well as in Dublin, Ireland. I've been a soldier, freelance journalist, tended bar, sold designer cakes, owned a painting and decorating company along with a number of other schemes and scams. If that doesn't offend you I also play bagpipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. All my books stand alone, read them in whatever order you wish. They are filled with the sort of oddballs we are all curious about, but wisely, prefer to keep at a distance. None of my characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, they inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society, characters with one foot on either side of the law. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to bad decisions, but bad decisions lead to interesting stories. They serve not so much as an example but as a warning to us all. Thanks for taking the time, happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 14, 2018
As usual w/series this one’s fun 'n' funny. Nicely plotted, enjoyable watching Dev care for someone beside himself (character growth is good). Recommended (as is entire set so far). Enjoy 👌🏼👍👌🏼
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June 9, 2024i love this dude. he writes about exactly what he says: folks you see all around you but steer clear of. well, i don’t, which is why i’ve had even more jobs, of the same mind, than faricy has—tho i don’t play bagpipes.
this is the first one ive read, probably because it went free for a bit and in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 2020 here in oregon, free is mostly all i can afford because im replacing like, every damn thing. but! that’s almost over, so soon i can buy a book here and there and rebuild my huge offline library, built over a lifetime of reading and a stint as an editor to boot, online. where my books will never burn. hey hey.
this book was entertaining and offbeat enough to make me a fan, and mystery has been my favorite genre for over 50years now. i’ve read all the greats. conan doyle. sayers. hammer. chandler. christie. marsh. hell, even the mystery of edwin droid—best one ever, except that dickens died before he finished it and i will never forgive him form that. i’ve also read a fair bit of forgettable mysteries, freebies i often didn’t even finish. this wasn’t that. i’m totally broke and tryna figure out how to get my hands on #14 like, *now.* mike gives a very generous “read the start of the next one” dollop and damn, im hooked.
who will like these: people who enjoy people watching, who have strange friends, who attract that one crazy way down the beach to come up a tell you their life story, who get into unbievwble situations while just minding your own business, who like reading just for fun and oblivion, and who don’t demand their protagonists to be deep, heroic, antiheroic, or anything but fun. also, the detective is an immature horndog who drinks terrible coffee and has questionable hobbies, so be aware if you don’t like that kind of thing. me, i grew up reading stuff most kids would never be allowed to read, so i don’t give a hoot.
this is the first one ive read, probably because it went free for a bit and in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 2020 here in oregon, free is mostly all i can afford because im replacing like, every damn thing. but! that’s almost over, so soon i can buy a book here and there and rebuild my huge offline library, built over a lifetime of reading and a stint as an editor to boot, online. where my books will never burn. hey hey.
this book was entertaining and offbeat enough to make me a fan, and mystery has been my favorite genre for over 50years now. i’ve read all the greats. conan doyle. sayers. hammer. chandler. christie. marsh. hell, even the mystery of edwin droid—best one ever, except that dickens died before he finished it and i will never forgive him form that. i’ve also read a fair bit of forgettable mysteries, freebies i often didn’t even finish. this wasn’t that. i’m totally broke and tryna figure out how to get my hands on #14 like, *now.* mike gives a very generous “read the start of the next one” dollop and damn, im hooked.
who will like these: people who enjoy people watching, who have strange friends, who attract that one crazy way down the beach to come up a tell you their life story, who get into unbievwble situations while just minding your own business, who like reading just for fun and oblivion, and who don’t demand their protagonists to be deep, heroic, antiheroic, or anything but fun. also, the detective is an immature horndog who drinks terrible coffee and has questionable hobbies, so be aware if you don’t like that kind of thing. me, i grew up reading stuff most kids would never be allowed to read, so i don’t give a hoot.
June 18, 2017
Scam Man, Dev Haskell #13 (or, How I Spent my Saturday...)
by Mike Faricy
Quick read. Started this novel after lunch, finished it before supper.
In this episode, Dev's on-again/off-again friend with benefits, Heidi, seems to have found the love of her life. However, something about her new love doesn't sit right with Dev, who is having his own problems trying to keep his current love life going. Dev's life is taking many different turns, with the return of the golden retriever, Morton, his seemingly star-crossed love affair, and, of course, trying to find out what, if anything, is wrong with Heidi's new man, a local attorney who seemingly has it all -- money, status, contacts, charm, and, as Dev discovers, absolutely no scruples. He puts together a motley crew to help him convince Heidi that her new man is much less than she believes. His group includes two of the man's ex-wives, one of the victims of his scam, two accomplices to the scam who he stiffed for payment, and a limo driver who turns out to be the long-lost love of Dev's girlfriend, A.J. Can this unlikely group save Heidi from the clutches of this serial scam artist?
This is a dandy story, with lots of twists and turns, lots of action, plenty of humor, and, of course -- Morton. It was an easy, quick and fun summer read.
by Mike Faricy
Quick read. Started this novel after lunch, finished it before supper.
In this episode, Dev's on-again/off-again friend with benefits, Heidi, seems to have found the love of her life. However, something about her new love doesn't sit right with Dev, who is having his own problems trying to keep his current love life going. Dev's life is taking many different turns, with the return of the golden retriever, Morton, his seemingly star-crossed love affair, and, of course, trying to find out what, if anything, is wrong with Heidi's new man, a local attorney who seemingly has it all -- money, status, contacts, charm, and, as Dev discovers, absolutely no scruples. He puts together a motley crew to help him convince Heidi that her new man is much less than she believes. His group includes two of the man's ex-wives, one of the victims of his scam, two accomplices to the scam who he stiffed for payment, and a limo driver who turns out to be the long-lost love of Dev's girlfriend, A.J. Can this unlikely group save Heidi from the clutches of this serial scam artist?
This is a dandy story, with lots of twists and turns, lots of action, plenty of humor, and, of course -- Morton. It was an easy, quick and fun summer read.
April 2, 2018
Yes! Morton the golden retriever is back! I love him and Dev together. He's the dog version of his owner. I really enjoy reading Mike Faricy's Dev Haskell series and this book didn't disappoint. A good mystery and further character development, especially between Heidi and Dev (I so want them together!). This is such a fun book to read - I chuckled through parts while not wanting the book to end. I've already downloaded the next book in the series. Keep them coming, Mr. Faricy!
March 9, 2017
Dev may be a bit of a sex crazed chauvinist, but you just find him really entertaining. And now that he has the golden retriever, Morton, back in his life, he is just more fun than ever. He is also getting better at not getting beaten to a bloody pulp in every book. If you are looking for a hapless, lazy, (by his own characterization) P.I., Dev Haskell is the man for you.
August 8, 2021
As I suspected might happen, Morton is back! You did read the previous book in the series, DOG GONE, right? No? Oh, well… your loss. And, Dev has a new girlfriend. Stop rolling your eyes. This one could be serious. He's wining and dining her and being the perfect gentleman. By the way, she too has a dog, a chocolate lab named Lady Godiva. Two dog lovers… a match made in heaven?
Love is in the air. Heidi Bauer has met 'the one.' She's head over heels for a man who makes claims that, if true, just might put him in line for sainthood. Dev suspects a big IF as he sets out to investigate Heidi's amour du jour. As you might suspect, craziness ensues.
In these unprecedented times, everyone needs an escape. Maybe you look to fantasy, but should you like your vacation from the day to day to be a bit more down to earth, I recommend the Dev Haskell Private Investigator series. You can take your getaway one book at a time or look for the omnibus editions. Just be sure to start your holiday with book 1, RUSSIAN ROULETTE, so you don't miss any of the action.
Love is in the air. Heidi Bauer has met 'the one.' She's head over heels for a man who makes claims that, if true, just might put him in line for sainthood. Dev suspects a big IF as he sets out to investigate Heidi's amour du jour. As you might suspect, craziness ensues.
In these unprecedented times, everyone needs an escape. Maybe you look to fantasy, but should you like your vacation from the day to day to be a bit more down to earth, I recommend the Dev Haskell Private Investigator series. You can take your getaway one book at a time or look for the omnibus editions. Just be sure to start your holiday with book 1, RUSSIAN ROULETTE, so you don't miss any of the action.
June 24, 2023
Another good Dev Haskell story, I haven't read a bad one yet. Plenty of humour and a bit of action but how does he ever make a living? He loses a girl to a chauffeur and gets his dog and an old flame back though and shoots someone else in the foot, not figuratively. It's all good fun and entertainment.
July 30, 2018
Dev returns home with a date and Morton the golden retriever is ties to his door. Dev learns Heidi has met someone new and then learns he’s into scamming everyone. How does he prove to Heidi he only cares about her and that it’s not jealousy?
May 16, 2019
Dev Haskell always delivers. He may think he's a tough guy, but when it comes to those he loves, sure he uses them, but in the end, he's always loyal and comes through. And he's hysterically funny while doing it. Love Morton, glad he's not my dog.
March 1, 2024
Well, Morton is back and this time Dev is trying to save Heidi. I’m glad it ended like it did and wish I understood WTF is with Manning. He needs to either go take a flying leap, retire, get transferred or disappear. He’s an asshole.
December 23, 2024
Another great read by Mike. Dev and his buddy Morton are 2 of the same . Dev helps out his bed friend Heidi out of a potential bad situation because deep down he knows he loves her. You can tell. On to the next one.
December 30, 2017
Dev Haskell Funny!
Dev has stepped in it once again. Anything that can go wrong does. If you like well written, light-hearted murder/mysteries then this is a book worth reading.
Dev has stepped in it once again. Anything that can go wrong does. If you like well written, light-hearted murder/mysteries then this is a book worth reading.
February 24, 2018
Another great Dev Haskell adventure. At least in this one he didn’t get the snot kicked out of him.
June 15, 2018
Love Dev Haskell
This is one of my favorite book series. I don't get anything done after I start one of these books
This is one of my favorite book series. I don't get anything done after I start one of these books
June 20, 2018
Amusing and entertaining!
December 14, 2020
Dev has a room mate
Entertaining storyline about Dev friend Heidi, who meets and falls in love with a con artist who is after her money. Dev must try to save her from this guy!
Entertaining storyline about Dev friend Heidi, who meets and falls in love with a con artist who is after her money. Dev must try to save her from this guy!
April 4, 2021
Faricy always provides fun to read novels.
August 30, 2022
Rarely do I wish to see someone suffer more, but this guy is insufferable!
September 4, 2023
Another great read, Starting my next Faricy book today.
October 29, 2024
A good scam man
A good scam man that was into many different scams and needed to be stopped. Dev was the man to do it.
A good scam man that was into many different scams and needed to be stopped. Dev was the man to do it.
December 27, 2024
Book 13 and all have been Jolly Good Fun.
March 2, 2016
I've read a lot of Dev Haskell tales and have always found them entertaining. Dev is always the same, always interested in new women (who seem to get him into trouble most of the time), and every story has pretty much the same characters and a lot of drinking. He is always finding himself being accused of murder but always finding a way to get out of trouble.
Mike Faricy's Dev seems to me to be the male's favorite, much like Janet Evanovitch's Stephanie can be preferred by women. Both have sort of a standard script but different adventures. Both have a lot of humor.
In this story Dev's "friend with benefits" Heidi is smitten with a man who Dev finds out is a scam artist. She is so smitten that he can't easily convince her of his three ex-wives, that he is in debt, that he is not an ex-Seal. His task is to accumulate enough evidence that she does not decide to marry this guy.
Mike Faricy's Dev seems to me to be the male's favorite, much like Janet Evanovitch's Stephanie can be preferred by women. Both have sort of a standard script but different adventures. Both have a lot of humor.
In this story Dev's "friend with benefits" Heidi is smitten with a man who Dev finds out is a scam artist. She is so smitten that he can't easily convince her of his three ex-wives, that he is in debt, that he is not an ex-Seal. His task is to accumulate enough evidence that she does not decide to marry this guy.
July 29, 2016
Another enjoyable adventure with lovable loser and PI Dev Haskell. Morton the golden retriever is back and manages to sabotage Dev's love life. Meanwhile his longtime friend with benefits, Heidi, has fallen for an attorney and scam artist who uses the Americans with Disability Act to blackmail businesses. No one has a good thing to say about Austin Hackett, but the control freak has Heidi convinced he is a saint and Dev a jealous skirt chaser. Join Dev and Morton as they investigate Hackett and try to save Heidi before it's too late and Austin scams her out of every cent.
February 16, 2016
Loved it highly recommend reading all of his books featuring dev haskell
Loved it highly recommend reading all of his books featuring dev Haskell. In whatever order you choose. More books featuring dev and his investigations please
Loved it highly recommend reading all of his books featuring dev Haskell. In whatever order you choose. More books featuring dev and his investigations please
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March 2, 2016Love this series! Stop what you are doing Mike Faricy and write more about Dev. Also glad to see that Mike has found a proofreader who knows how!
February 11, 2016
Highly entertaining Dev Haskell where his friends with benefits, Heidi is in a relationship a scum bag. It is up to Dev to prove it to her.
March 31, 2016
Dev is my man! I love the series and can't wait for the next one.
October 13, 2016
Love this series. Dev is your typical, bumbling PI. With a lot of lousy romantic interludes that usually get him into trouble.
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August 17, 2016All of Mike Faricy's "Dev Haskell" series are just fun reads. Good for summer and/or beach reads.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews